The Clinical Communication Program: an effective intervention for reducing future risk for high-risk physicians

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Clinical Communication Programme (CCP) as a remedial intervention for high-risk physicians. Design: Physicians with a high-risk profile within the Medical Protection Society (MPS) were identified via a scoring system developed by its membership governance department. If communication issues were considered to have contributed to their risk the member was invited to attend an intensive communication skills training (CCP). Event data (claims, preclaims, disciplinary and regulatory episodes) was recorded and analysed pre and post CCP. Setting: The intervention took place in the various centres in the United Kingdom and was attended by British Physicians who were members of MPS. Outcome Measures: Change in incidence of event following communication skills training. Findings: Post CCP incidence rate fell for all but four physicians. Post CCP these four physicians accounted for 75% of events. Conclusions: The Clinical Communication Program is an effective remedial intervention for most physicians with a high-risk of future claims. There is a small group who did not benefit.